Exotic animals such as this African Spur-thigh tortoise are illegally released into the Everglades. (Source: Lisa Bolivar)

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – People who have exotic pets they can no longer handle will have a chance to do what is best for the animals during Nonnative Pet Amnesty Day; an effort to keep unwanted exotic pets out of Florida’s native ecosystems.

The FWC and Zoo Miami will host Exotic Pet Amnesty Day, Saturday April 13th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Zoo Miami located at 12400 SW 152nd Street.

Exotic reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, and mammals will be accepted; domestic pets will not be accepted.

It’s free of charge and there are no penalties.

It is illegal to release any nonnative species in Florida, but many pet owners are not aware of this regulation or know that most captive species will not survive in the wild.